§ GENERAL GOLDSWORTHY (Hammersmith)asked the Secretary of State for War, Whether the arms of the various branches of the Military Service are satisfactory; and, if not, whether any, and what, steps have been taken to insure that Soldiers, Militiamen, and 1108 Volunteers should have good and reliable weapons?
§ MR. HANBURY (Preston)asked, Whether the right hon. Gentleman had any official information as to certain experiments made on Easter Monday on the sword-bayonets of the City of London Artillery Volunteers; whether it was the fact that on being tested against a dummy consisting of a bundle of cotton waste the weapons bent up into the shape of bill-hooks, and remained in that position until bent back by the pressure of the foot; and, whether it was the fact, as stated by the Military Correspondent of The Times from Dover, that out of 50 intrenching tools, 32 were broken in three days?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. E. STANHOPE) (Lincolnshire, Horncastle)I should not be acting fairly if after a few weeks' experience of the War Office, I gave a positive assurance in the terms asked for by my hon. and gallant Friend. He is aware, from what I have already stated, that steps are being taken to provide our Army with a better rifle than the Martini-Henry, though that is in itself a very efficient weapon. The Irish Militia are still armed with Snider rifles, which will be exchanged as soon as the store will permit. The swords for the Cavalry have all passed the test laid down in 1885 by Sir D. C. Drury-Lowe's Committee. The present Director of Artillery and Stores, who is one of the most able and efficient of our public servants, has taken thoroughly in hand the re-testing of all bayonets supplied to the troops. All those in the hands of the Regular Infantry have been re-tested. Those held by the Artillery are now being re-tested. The re-testing of the Militia bayonets is about to be commenced; those of the Volunteers will be exchanged as soon as sufficient bayonets for the purpose are released from the Regular Forces. Orders have also been given for exchanging the swords which the Yeomanry now have for weapons which have been re-tested. In answer to the other Question, I have to say that, as regards the bayonets supplied to the City of London Artillery Volunteers, we have called for a Report; but it has not yet been received. As to the other matters described by The Times Correspondent, the statements in the articles are somewhat indefinite and a little 1109 difficult to trace; but on that subject also a Report has been called for. I am much obliged to the hon. Member for putting the Question, and I shall put the Reports in his hands in order that he may see what they are.